Hello everyone, BCNA has an update on access to CDKs as second line treatment. Pfizer have this week advised BCNA about a new capped access program for the CDK inhibitor palbociclib (lbrance) which will be available from October 1, 2018. This means you still have to pay for around 8 months of treatment (at a cost of around $40000) but after that time it will be free. We understand that this is still a huge cost but it is an important step forward because people will at least know how much they will have to find should they want to proceed with this line of treatment. BCNA is continuing to work for our members in this space and we’re very pleased to be able to advise that we have been able to negotiate with Pfizer that anyone who can show that they have already paid $40000 (for either first or second line treatment) can immediately move across to the capped program and no longer have to pay. For further information, go to our website. Please help us share the news to anyone you know who may currently be paying for Palbociclib.

Thanks @Marianne_BCNA, I can understand your frustration, yes its a step albeit a very small step,I still think, as I am sure you must all that $40.000 is a significant amount of money, certainly something I could not afford, however, its a progression of sorts, perhaps in time, this will improve, thank you to all at bcna for their untiring efforts in trying to improve the lives of all women with breast cancer, early or metastatic.wendy55

Thankyou MarinneWonderful to know that some access progress has been achieved for longer term met patients.All the best to everyone who are able to now afford and start Bright in hope

Thanks @wendy55. I see my oncologist again next week. Apparently I will need to take it with Letrozole.

Really well thank you @arpie. As mentioned above, with the capped access program, from 1st October, you have to pay the $40,000 no matter what. There was a small window of opportunity to enrol for the Palbociclib and AI. My oncologist just made it. I am now just waiting for my pharmacist to obtain the Palbociclib.So, now I just have to wait and see if I have any side effects. I am also taking Letrozole which I tolerate well.

This is at least a step in the right direction. Can you please clarify what the restrictions on second line treatment are? I have had chemo, and am currently on a parp inhibitor. Would I be eligible for this access program if the parp inhibitor stops working and I want to try Ibrance? Thank you.

Two steps forward, one step back – news on access to CDKs in second line treatment

brightspace
Member
7 years ago
Thankyou Marinne
Wonderful to know that some access progress has been achieved for longer term met patients.
All the best to everyone who are able to now afford and start
Bright in hope
wendy55
Member
7 years ago
Thanks @Marianne_BCNA, I can understand your frustration, yes its a step albeit a very small step,I still think, as I am sure you must all that $40.000 is a significant amount of money, certainly something I could not afford, however, its a progression of sorts, perhaps in time, this will improve, thank you to all at bcna for their untiring efforts in trying to improve the lives of all women with breast cancer, early or metastatic.

wendy55
scientist
Member
7 years ago
This is at least a step in the right direction. Can you please clarify what the restrictions on second line treatment are? I have had chemo, and am currently on a parp inhibitor. Would I be eligible for this access program if the parp inhibitor stops working and I want to try Ibrance? Thank you.
primek
Member
7 years ago
Its a start. Keep up the great work.
primek
Member
7 years ago
Should this be on announcements.
Marianne_BCNA
Member
7 years ago
Hi @scientist, it is best to discuss this with your oncologist.
@primek, it is on announcements.
Cheers!
Patti_J
Member
7 years ago
I am very excited! My oncologist has just phoned me to tell me that I have been given access to Palbociclib for a one off payment of $50. I was prepared to use my super to pay the $40,000.
wendy55
Member
7 years ago
fantastic news @"Patti J", keep us posted on how you go

wendy55
Patti_J
Member
7 years ago
Thanks @wendy55. I see my oncologist again next week. Apparently I will need to take it with Letrozole.
arpie
Member
7 years ago
AWESOME news @"Patti J" how did yr meeting go?